College marks another milestone

Pioneering students of the first nursing program of the Labasa Sangam College of Nursing pose for group
photograph during its launching in Labasa. Picture: Salaseini Moceiwai

THE Labasa Sangam College of Nursing marked yet another milestone yesterday after launching the first enrolled nursing program in the country with 25 students registered for the 12-month course.

Launching the program, the chairman of the human resources board of the Sangam Institute of Technology, Parmod Achary, said it would allow the students to assist nurses and patients.

"Enrolled nurses will become an essential part of the healthcare workforce and we want to give our students attractive career opportunities and pathways so they can fulfil their aspirations," Mr Achary said.

"Enrolled nurses will have the opportunity to be upgraded and they can progress to become senior enrolled nurses and principal enrolled nurses. We also recognise that many enrolled nurses will aspire to become staff nurses so they can take on higher responsibilities.

"This course is like a foundation course. Students who fail Form Six and seven can be enrolled but we have selected a number of students to do this course. If they do well in the program, they can be enrolled in the degree programs offered at the college."

Mr Achary said those who wanted to be absorbed into the workforce could be a helping hand to the nurses in hospitals.

"They can also provide health care support for elderly relatives and friends at home and community, and have advisory roles to prevent NCDs.

"In helping these enrolled nurses fulfil their aspirations of becoming a staff nurse, we will review the eligibility criteria for them to be enrolled in the degree nursing course."

The students also had the opportunity to meet one another and also their lecturers.